Q4 Maintenance Costs Drop Quarterly, But Annual Trend Shows 2% Year-Over-Year Rise

Key Details Trucking maintenance costs declined in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to Q3, according to the latest Decisiv/TMC Parts and Labor Service Benchmark Report. Combined parts and labor expenses fell 1.3% sequentially, with parts down 0.4% and labor dropping 2.6%. This reversal came after a notable 3.8% increase in Q3. Why It Matters The quarter-over-quarter improvement marks a positive shift after months of rising labor costs. Year-over-year, however, Q4 combined costs rose 2%, with parts climbing 3.7% while labor fell 0.4%. Parts have emerged as the primary cost driver over the past year, while labor has remained relatively stable. Looking Ahead Only 10 of 25 vehicle maintenance reporting systems tracked showed cost increases in Q4, down from 17 in Q3. Fewer systems experienced labor increases, signaling cautious optimism for fleet operators. Lower freight volumes and reduced mileage contributed to the quarterly decline, though analysts warn that the cost reductions were concentrated in systems with smaller overall expense shares, making sustained relief uncertain.